St Jordi Alba appears from nowhere to rescue Barcelona

Celtic almost clinched an amazing shock result against Barça in the Camp Nou. Just when the Scottish side thought they were going to clinch a valuable and much needed point following Celtic’s victory in Russia, Jordi Alba showed up at the far past and got on the end of an Adriano cross to score an amazing winning goal for Barça (2-1) in the 94th minute.

Neil Lennon’s men had taken the lead in the 18th minute with a Samaras header that Mascherano deflected into the goal occupied by Víctor Valdés.

It had taken Barcelona right until the final minute of the first half to level, when Iniesta placed a low shot just inside of the far post right after a glorious exchange with Xavi.

As was to be predicted, the second half was all Barça, much like the first, and the home side completely dominated in terms of possession once more. It was one-way traffic, but a well-contructed, disciplined Celtic defence took a lesson from Chelsea’s book and parked the bus, shutting out many opportunities and protecting ‘keeper Fraser Forster.

Forster was undoubtedly Celtic’s best player and he displayed his merit in the 65th minute when he made a superb save, stopping a Messi header at very close range.

When it appeared that the match would end in a draw, Jordi Alba culminated the move that resulted in the definitive 2-1, giving Barcelona the three points.

This outcome means Barça have one foot in the next round with three matches still to play in the group phase.